Gilas Pilipinas looks to thr crowd after beating world No. 6 and home team Latvia in a Fiba OQT game in Riga. –FIBA PHOTO
SCHEDULE: Gilas Pilipinas at Fiba OQT in Riga, Latvia
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday congratulated Gilas Pilipinas over its win versus Latvia in the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Riga, Latvia.
Marcos said Gilas’ victory was “64 years in the making” and is “worth every second.”
“Congratulations to Gilas Pilipinas for their victory against world number 6, Latvia, at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament,” Marcos said in a post on his official Facebook page.
“We are all cheering you on from home—let’s shoot for the Paris Olympics! Good luck!” he added.
READ: Gilas Pilipinas stuns world No. 6 Latvia to open Fiba OQT bid
Gilas beat world No. 6 and host Latvia at 89-90, in a massive upset, marking the Philippines’ first victory against any European team in an official Fiba competition since 1960.
The Filipinos plunge back into action Thursday night, facing Georgia to seal their place into the knockout stage. Latvia beat Georgia 83-55 on Tuesday.
The winner of each Fiba OQT will earn a ticket to the Paris Olympics scheduled late this month.